Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, friends, and good food. We went to our oldest son’s house. He and his wife put on a magnificent spread, despite the fact he broke his leg this week. His in-laws were there as well as our other sons and their families, my mother, and brother and his family. It was a houseful and absolutely wonderful. I am so very, very thankful for all of the blessing bestowed upon me and my family.

I’m yawning as I write this, which is good since I plan on calling it an early night. My daughter-in-law is picking me up at 4 AM so we can hit the stores. I’m not a huge Black Friday fan, but since my son (as mentioned above is in a cast) can’t join her, I said I would.

My niece told us a story about last year’s Black Friday at the store she works at in downtown St. Paul. A woman was checking out at my niece’s register and a man came along, lifted the woman’s baby (in an infant carrier) out of the shopping cart, set the carrier on the floor, and started to walk off with the cart. My niece stopped him and told him to put the baby back in the cart. He said no, that he needed the cart. She told him again to put the cart and the baby back. She said it was a stand off—over a shopping cart of all things—which ultimately ended with him leaving the cart and stomping off. I know carts are hard to come by on Black Friday, but good grief! You had to hear my niece tell the story—she’s a little thing, but a gymnast, and very strong willed.

On the writing side of things, I’m finishing up the synopsis for the collaborative story I’m working with another author, and the fourth Quinter brother story is coming along very nicely.

Once more—Happy, happy Thanksgiving all!

The Holiday Season has begun...

Radio stations are playing Christmas music, the stores and houses along with city streets are decorated, and the TV commercials for holiday specials are starting to appear. I on the other hand, am not quite as ready as some. I have a few (few usually means 3-7) gifts bought, mainly because I was at a jewelry party and knew I needed to buy something. I truly haven’t figured out what I’m buying for most people. But, I know I’ll be ready by the 24th of December, I always am, so I’m not stressing over anything.

My Christmas story, A Solider for Christmas, will be released in e-book on December 11th. It’s one story in the American Rose Christmas Anthology. Blurb: Southern belle Marybeth Dawson discovers Santa Claus can't cross the Mason Dixon line--but handsome Union soldier, Trevor Sutton can.

My story is just one of six wonderful holiday tales.

I love Christmas stories, and hope readers enjoy this one. I just discovered (as I typed this blog I went to the Wild Rose Press to insert a link) the print book is available as an early bird special!

The guys are up north hunting again, so it’s just me and the dogs again this week. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow and perhaps I’ll do my Thanksgiving dinner shopping on Sunday…

Releases

The weather here has been unseasonably warm, and that is so delightful! I didn’t even wear a coat today—unbelievable for mid-November. Now, if it would just keep up until February or so.

I forgot to mention last week that Badland Bride was released in ebook. I’m getting wonderful feedback from readers on this story. Some have said they cried at the end, and others have thanked me for such a wonderful ending. I love hearing from readers. (Sigh)

A writer friend of mine had a book released this week. Enchanted Scandal by Tammy Mate', writing as Tammy Sotnos. This is one hot romance. Blurb: MURDER, ROMANCE, MYSTERY, HEARTACHE, SEX... What more could one want in a story? Set in 18th century England with its strict class structure, Baron Campbell, a prominent citizen of the town of Painswick, falls for Samantha, an abused woman of the "labouring-class"... After a year fraught with discord, strife, love, and romance; Samantha expresses her gratitude in prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, for the magnificent time I have had with John. He has been a fantastic escape. Not only has he been kind, loving, and wonderful; he has been thoughtful and courageous. Please watch over him, and keep him safe.

Yes, Samantha has reason to worry about John’s safety! If you’re interested in trying out a new writer, I’d suggest giving Enchanted Scandal a go!

It’s deer hunting season here, which means I’m a weekend widow. I’m not complaining-I like to have the house to myself at times. The hours simply fly by when I’m deep in a story. But, I am a chicken. I hate being home alone at bedtime. Thank goodness the dogs don’t deer hunt!

H1N1 Prevention

I hope the Trick or Treaters were good to you! Here’s a picture of a pirate and Snow White!


I received an email with the below advice, and thought it was worth posting here!

Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face.

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water . *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.* Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensive, under $15.

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Stay healthy!

Priates and Ghosts

The ghosts and goblins (and princesses and pirates) will be knocking on the door soon. The news announced today the most popular Halloween costume this year will be Michael Jackson. My granddaughter is going to be a pirate, because that’s what Emily Elizabeth is in Clifford the Big Red Dog’s Halloween book. She asked Uncle Cody if his dog, Bear, could be a ghost since that’s what Clifford is in the book. But her Mommy and Daddy aren’t willing to take a 100 lb Lab trick or treating. I think I better buy a bag of doggy treats just incase she convinces them how fun it could be. (As you can see from the picture, she and Bear are best friends.)

Sorry for my delay in posts. I was ‘hit’ by the flu bug. I actually had to use sick days at work. The first time in almost five years. Then last weekend we went up north to our property. Hubby had to get everything ready for deer season and I wanted to take down the solar lights I have set out all over. I think I need to get one of those motion cameras so I can see what the woodland critters think of those little lights. The place was full of paw prints.

I did get one full day of writing in, besides helping cut a load of firewood. I’m about halfway done with the fourth Quinter brother book. Boot Hill Bride-The Quinter Brides book 3 will be released in July 2010, and my Harlequin UNDONE, Wedding Night with the Ranger, will be released in February 2010. The e-book release of Badland Bride-The Quinter Brides book 2 is November 7th. (The print is available now.) My next release will be An American Rose Christmas Anthology on December 11th.

I’m one chapter away from finishing the book I’m collaborating on with another writer, but I have a time travel story as well as another Texas Ranger book that keep pulling my attention away from the sisters book.

I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween with lots of trick or treaters!

Badland Bride

The e-book of Badland Bride-The Quinter Brides Book Two will be released by The Wild Rose Press on November 6th, HOWEVER, the print book was released last week at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and anywhere else print books are sold. YEAH!

I attended a writer’s retreat last weekend. It was a wonderful time, and I’d highly recommend the ARC Retreat Center for anyone who wanted a little down time. I also spoke to a writer’s group this week. I always enjoy talking with those who understand the voices in my head.

We had snow this week. YES, SNOW! It’s only October! So, as many of you know, I’m preparing to put my pony away for the winter. It’s just so blessed hard to be separated from her. Even my granddaughter was upset when I showed up in a different car to pick her up. “Where’s the pony car?” she immediately asked. She’s 2 ½ (When you ask her how old she is, she says, “2 ½. Don’t forget the half.”)—anyway— I explained the pony car doesn’t like snow. After she climbed in her car seat in the backseat of Papa’s car, she said, “Boy’s cars like snow and girl’s cars don’t.” It is amazing how young we are when we start stereotyping each other, isn’t it?

I’m hoping for a quiet weekend with lots of writing time, how about you?

Please release me let me go....

OKAY, okay, those of you who know me well, know I can't sing a note....but that song came to mind because....

Today is the release day for Kendra’s Choice!

Back Blurb:
Kendra Parker needs a man-it's research for Widow Swanson's article, "What Every Woman Needs to Know about Her Marriage Bed." But the sparse population of Eastern Colorado in 1883 doesn't offer many choices, until Major Marlow arrives.

Sterling Marlow rode into the Parker farm in time to celebrate the wedding of one of Kincaid Parker's daughters. But it was the Pastor's older daughter, Kendra, who caught his attention. Her seductive body wanted him, and who was he to deny the needs of a young woman?

Oh, and speaking of songs, I finally downloaded a ring tone for my cell phone. Moody Blues by Elvis now plays whenever anyone calls. :)

Today is also my wedding anniversary. (My Dear Hubby kindly reminded me this morning. I so have to figure out a way to be the reminder not the reminded one year! But, in my defense, I hadn't had coffee yet, so I had no idea WHAT day it was.)

I’m heading up north on Friday to attend the Northern Lights Writer’s retreat. Besides networking with some great ladies, I’m hoping to gain new insights from the workshops/discussions and maybe fit in a few pages of writing.

A Little Bit of Everything...

I had a busy, but wonderful week. A friend spent the weekend with us. She and I had been best friends in sixth grade. She moved away but moved back in high school, and then we both left Kansas. A couple months ago she moved to Minnesota. It was wonderful to catch up on where all her family is and to introduce her to my boys and grandchildren.

It was also my RWA Chapter monthly meeting. My friend attended with me. Our group had a booth at the Library for Wyoming Stage Coach Days. Luckily my youngest son’s girlfriend has a closet full of western wear she let us borrow. (Since I didn’t take any pictures, here’s one of my granddaughter on a very large rocking horse.)

I also made salsa and canned tomatoes. I’m trying to get the garden cleaned out before the frost comes.

My final reader read through Boot Hill Bride and I turned the last round of edits in, so that one is said and done. I’m now working on another Texas Ranger story as well as the fourth Quinter Bride Book and a collaborative story about two sisters with another writer.

Oh, and to anyone who saw the Vikings game…What an ending! Go Vikes!

Renaissance Festival

We went to the Renaissance Festival on Sunday. That’s me riding the elephant with my granddaughter. She wanted to ride it, NOT me. (We are on the second elephant in the picture.)

It was a glorious day, with the perfect amount of sunshine and a light breeze. I can’t imagine wearing the clothing of that age. Yards and yards of heavy fabric went into those dresses! And the jousting! Those poor men were dripping wet beneath their heavy armors.

We walked around, munching on turkey drumsticks, and had a wonderful time, but all in all it reminded me that I’m a western gal at heart. I’d rather have the cowboy with his six-shooter than the knight in shining armor.

This week I’m working on the fourth Quinter Bride story, it’s been calling me to give it some attention. Poor Snake, try as he might, his mother outfoxes him.

THE CALL

Last week I told you about Kendra’s Choice, and how Harlequin had inquired about the story. Well, yesterday, I got THE CALL from them. They offered a contract for the story I wrote for their UNDONE Line! I am so excited for this opportunity. I’ve been reading Harlequin Romance Novels since I was thirteen and dreamed of the day I’d get THE CALL from them.

I rarely turn my computer on before I leave for work in the morning. There just isn’t time, since, for one, I like to sleep as late a possible, (usually because I stay up too late writing every night) but also because I stop to visit my mother on my way to work every morning. Yesterday morning, I was drawn to turn my computer on and there was an email from an assistant editor at Harlequin asking what would be a good time for them to call me. (They are six hours ahead in London.) I emailed back and said I’d be home for an hour and then available by cell all day. After I hit send, I ran into the bedroom and told my husband to get up and sit by the phone while I showered. When I got out of the shower there was an email that said they’d call at 9 AM. I had a 9 AM meeting for work, so I drove to the meeting place and said I had to take a call before I joined the meeting. I sat in my car and at 9 on the dot Harlequin called. They had me on speaker with an editorial assistant and the Sr. Editor of their historical line.

The picture is of flowers my wonderful friend, Robin, sent me yesterday afternoon! The bouquet is beautiful, with many more flowers than pictured, but my two year old granddaughter took the picture. After one shot she decided taking pictures of the dog was more fun. LOL